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Chicago Bears Weren’t the First to Take a Pass Down Soldier Field – We Were

October 12, 2015

Soldier Field is a mix of old and new.

At 91 years old, it’s the NFL’s oldest stadium.

To many, it’s the home of the Chicago Bears (cue #dabears). But this iconic landmark didn’t become the Bears’ permanent home until 1971, and Caterpillar was actually first to take a pass down the field … literally.

Designed in 1919 and opened in 1924, Soldier Field took, you guessed it, five years to build – and Caterpillar tractors were there throughout the entire project. The Holt Caterpillar 10-Ton was the most common tractor seen on the jobsite. It was our most powerful machine at the time, at 40 horsepower, and was put to work on our customers’ biggest jobs.

We’re proud to say we were there from the beginning when those historic columns were constructed – and again in 2003 when Soldier Field underwent a massive renovation that now includes those spaceship-looking grandstands.

Note: We are not trying to start a rivalry with the Chicago Bears, but we do believe we carry a bit more force down the field.

Innovation at Caterpillar

Caterpillar’s unmatched team of professionals and strategic partners has one goal in mind: customer success. With a focus on the future, we work around the clock and around the world to meet customers' ever-changing needs.

Our Legacy

The history of Caterpillar is all about doing: creating, building, problem solving, innovating, testing, servicing and improving. Beginning with Benjamin Holt and C. L. Best, the people of Caterpillar have always been – and continue to be – extraordinary.